Bernard Beem

Bernard H. "Bernie" Beem, 88, of Beach Park, Illinois, went peacefully home to be with his Lord on Thursday, December 17, 2009. Bernie was born August 6, 1921 in Zion, graduated in 1939 from Zion Parochial School and attended Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio and Miami University of Ohio. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and in the Naval Reserve until 1965, retiring as Lieutenant. He was employed at Durkin & Durkin mens store in Waukegan and he toured with Frankie Carle's Big Band as a tenor vocalist. He was employed by and later owned and operated Whiteman and Fry Lumber Company of Zion where he enjoyed serving his loyal customers for 48 years. Bernie was also actively involved in his community as a member of the Zion Chamber of Commerce, as Past President of Zion Exchange Club and he served on Zion Park District's golf course planning committee for Shepherd's Crook. Bernie was a lifetime member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. His passion for music surfaced from starting a choir program at First Presbyterian Church in Waukegan, to directing the Chapel Choir youth at Christian Catholic Church of Zion (now Christ Community Church), to directing the Sanctuary Choir, music leadership of Zion Community Singers and the Zion Passion Play. He remained a lifetime member of Christ Community Church. His recreational interests included golf, snow skiing, solo flying, and was a member of Pilot's International Association Inc. Expressing his love for family, with hands and heart, he contributed in the building of his and his children's homes. But most of all, he delighted in spending time with his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Evangeline "Van" (nee Whiteman) Beem; three daughters, Victoria (Richard) Rymer of Zion, Christy (Loren) Buntrock of Salem, Wisconsin, and Julie (Brian) Lother of Beach Park; nine grandchildren, Matthew (Rebecca) Rymer, Michael (Amy) Rymer, Mark (Michelle) Rymer, Holly (Timothy) Heeter, Heidi (William) Anderson, the late Heather Joy Buntrock, Brett (Danielle) Buntrock, Chad (Nicole) Lother, Jon (Jennifer) Lother and Troy (Karie) Lother; twelve great-grandchildren, Madalyn, Rachel, Jillian, Avery, Lauren, Lukas, Joy, Taryn, Rylan, Zayne, Trezdon, and Tayler; sister and brother, Darlene (David) Hammond of Beach Park and Wayne (Jane) Beem of Beach Park and Tucson, Arizona; and brother-in-law, Thomas (Nancy) Brock of Tucson, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Esther Beem; one sister, Margueritte "Mickie" Brock; and one granddaughter, Heather Joy Buntrock. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion, Illinois, with Pastor Ken Langley officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. Visitation will be Saturday, December 19th, from 9:00 a.m until time of service at the church. Memorial donations to either Christ Community Church music ministry or Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, 801 Roeder Road, Suite 750, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (www.tsalliance.org).